Humane Coaching for A Happy Home!
with the Compassionate Dog Coach
Virtual and In-person coaching with Holistic and Ethical Positive Reward-based Reinforcement
Keeping you and your pet Happy!
The harmony that exists within your home holds immense value to me. It is my unwavering belief that establishing a strong and unbreakable bond between you and your companion lies at the very heart of my approach.
Drawing from my extensive experience working with numerous big anxious dogs at SFSPCA, as well as my time spent fostering dogs, I have come to understand the profound significance of intertwining behaviors, environment, and emotions when equipping your pet with the necessary skills to navigate life's many challenges. Through my education at the esteemed Jean Donalson's Academy for Dog Trainers, I have honed a methodology rooted in a reward-based approach, positive reinforcement without sacrificing the companion’s basic and emotional needs.
In the face of what may be perceived as problematic behavior, my solution is to delve into the core of the issue, striving to ascertain its purpose to address your pet's unique needs. As a former scientist, I am guided by the principles of science and research, ensuring that systematically, every step I take is backed by solid evidence. However, it is my empathy and boundless compassion that truly drive me forward.
I also extend a helping hand by providing complimentary consultations and behavior services to rescue organizations. I am proud to be a participating trainer with the Humane Alliance of Rescued Trainers, where I donate my time and sessions to help rescue dogs cope with their fear and anxiety. I am deeply committed to working with the Street Dog Coalition providing free harnesses to pets of unhoused individuals and assisting them with the two most common challenges of jumping and pulling.
I live in Davis and enjoy hiking, backpacking, camping, baking and collecting rocks.
I am glad you are here!
WE BRING YOU…
Easy-to-implement, effective, safe, fear-free, humane, and science-based coaching plans.
WE HELP YOU CREATE. . .
A safe, manageable, and harmonious home environment
Teaching with Kindness
To live with us, our pets need to adapt to our world and depend on us for all their needs. We get to decide when and where they eat, when or if they get their walk. where they live (outside vs inside), are they to be the only pet. who else lives with them but most of all, they depend on our kindness for their well-being. As benevolent guardians, we want to teach them skills to help them fit into our lives and to remember that dogs are happy when they get to be dogs with all their antics. Be Kind!
Purchase Compassionate
Teaching and Coaching
Please scroll down to view options for purchasing training sessions. We offer a 15% discounted rate for rescued dogs.
If you are unable to afford our rates, please contact us via the form one section below this
and we will find a way to work with you.
We can work together
We don’t want finances to stand between you and a healthy, happy dog. If you cannot afford our services but you want to improve your relationship with your dog, we would be happy to assist. Please send us a message explaining your situation, and we will be in touch as soon as possible.
Testimonials
“Video training, with a few in person sessions, worked like a charm.”
My dog Robin, a delightful shepherd retriever mix, who is usually quite enthusiastic about everything, suddenly, for no apparent reason, decided to stop getting into my car with me. This was so sad, because I loved to take her to Forest Park and to the beach. Oddly, she was fine with getting into other people’s cars, or into my car with other people. She had the physical ability to jump into the car, and seemed to enjoy the ride once she was in it. She just didn’t want to go with me.
This had been going on for over a year and a half when Julie helped me approach the problem. We did two sessions in person, and then switched to virtual training. Julie really looked at the relationship between Robin and me, and helped me figure out how to motivate Robin toward the eventual goal of getting back into the car with me. The virtual sessions were great, because I had to do the training, rather than just watching Julie do it and thinking that everything was going to be ok.
Julie worked out a very gradual behavior modification approach that started with fun games and small rewards in the house, progressed to sitting in the car together (I read a book and fed Robin treats), then to short trips around the block, and eventually culminated in Robin running toward the car and jumping in the back for her favorite treat, cheese whiz on a Likki mat.
I kept records of our training activities on an Excel spreadsheet, and sent them to Julie for review. Julie was available by phone for questions. She sent me videos demonstrating progressive training exercises, and I sent her videos showing Robin’s progress.
We did have one episode of “backsliding”, where Robin again refused to get in the car after many months of jubilant cooperation. I was kind of bummed, but then thought “what would Julie do?” I figured that she’d give Robin a little time off from the car, to relieve whatever associated anxiety there was, and then go a few steps back in the training exercises. Robin was back in the car in just a few days, and I felt good about my ability to work out behavioral glitches on my own.
Video training, with a few in person sessions, worked like a charm. Julie has given me the skills to be a better dog owner and to really enjoy my relationship with Robin.
-Carrie G.
“Rescuing Mama will always be one of the greatest and proudest moments of my life.”
Rescuing Mama will always be one of the greatest and proudest moments of my life. But her transition from living in the orchard to living with me at my home was difficult. Her whole world had been turned upside down, and she regressed. She was timid, shy, and very skeptical of humans. Although I had lots of experience in rescuing dogs, I didn't have any expertise in rehabilitating a dog with Mama's trust issues. But once I connected with Julielani from Life Of Kai, things began to improve. Julie provided valuable insights into Mama's behavior and state of mind that I wouldn't have known or seen on my own. Mama was speaking to me, and Life Of Kai taught me how to listen. Julie helped me see the world through Mama's eyes. Mama is happier now than she ever has been. The friendship between Mama and I continues to strengthen and grow, and Life Of Kai remains an essential of that process. I cannot thank Jul enough for playing such an important role in creating the unbreakable bond between Mama and me.
-Danny